I am looking to get either the Mede8er 500x2 or the AC Ryan HD2. I am seriously tired of PS3 issues with handling mkv files and lack of sound in certain video files. So I decided to get a stand alone media player. I just need some input regarding these two before I make my purchase. Any help would be appreciated.
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Mede8er 500x2 or AC Ryan HD2?
- Thread starter Nicky_G
- Start date
Personally I am enjoying my PS3 along with PS3 Media Server a lot more than my Mede8er.
There are a number of threads debating this topic, search the forum. IMO it's much of muchness; each have their own pros and cons.
There are a number of threads debating this topic, search the forum. IMO it's much of muchness; each have their own pros and cons.
Thanks. I tried to find a comparison between the two but couldnt get much info. PS3 media server is not an option as there are only laptops in this household and the wife likes to watch her series as well when I am not around so streaming is an issue.
How about a HP Microserver + Graphics card? Leaves you with much more in options - and its cheaper than the Mede8er
I've had a Mede8er, and currently have a Boxee Box - but am probably going to replace it with a Microserver (I already have 4)
I've had a Mede8er, and currently have a Boxee Box - but am probably going to replace it with a Microserver (I already have 4)
I dont agree sorry.. PMS has to decode the media and stream it on the fly to the PS3, leading to loss of sound and picture quality, not to mention stuttering and loss of stream if there is a slight glitch in the media file. Streaming thru the Mede8er (or playon for that matter) is better because the decoding is done on the device.
And more problems.. Its easy to say "Build a HTPC" but not everyone has the time or the know how.
For a device that just works get either one. Personally I prefer the Mede8er.
IF you have the time and the know how then a Microserver running something like XBMC is awesome. Cheaper when it comes to cash, but more expensive when it comes to time and effort.
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
IMO the Mede8er is slightly better quality than the AC Ryan.
All I did was install Windows and install XBMC... after that the setup was no different to Mede8er...and sources, etc... I haven't had a single codec issue or any such problem.
Obviously the Linux based derivative is a different story.
Or get the HP Microserver as a fileserver and the Mede8er as your media player, then you don't need a hdd in the mede8er. I have 2 mede8ers so this setup is good for me.. also I can stream from any laptop/pc at the same time..
If you don't need a file-server then just go with the mede8er with an internal hdd.
If you don't need a file-server then just go with the mede8er with an internal hdd.
How does the HP Micro Server handle 45GB+ Blu Ray' files (I convert my Blu Ray's to mkv file's with www.makemkv.com) or even Blu Ray playback if you insert a Blu Ray drive?
also if you had to add a remote to the device what would you guys recommend?
also if you had to add a remote to the device what would you guys recommend?
+1 The Mede8er also has frequent firmware updates so that is an extra point for the mede8er, not sure how AC Ryan compares with regards to the firmware updates so I can't comment there.
Juggy
Executive Member
Wait for the AC Ryan Fluxx...
F
Fudzy
Guest
ok, but then does the cost of the os not make it more expensive than the Mede8er?
Wont touch it...
+1000
PostmanPot
Honorary Master
Definitely Mede8er, but I would try get the MED-500X.
My opinion has also changed since the arrival of the HP Microservers. They're going for ±R1,000 - R1,200 which works out cheaper than the Mede8er. And they come with 1GB RAM and a 250GB HDD. More RAM is recommend. Add a R500 Sapphire HD5450 1GB DDR3/Hypermemory gfx card with HDMI out for audio and video. Slap on your OS (external DVD/RW or flash drive/network installation, unless you put an optical drive into the HP MS (a Blu-ray ROM perhaps) and you're good to go.
For anyone interested, I have a HP MS in the Classifieds for R1,000.
My opinion has also changed since the arrival of the HP Microservers. They're going for ±R1,000 - R1,200 which works out cheaper than the Mede8er. And they come with 1GB RAM and a 250GB HDD. More RAM is recommend. Add a R500 Sapphire HD5450 1GB DDR3/Hypermemory gfx card with HDMI out for audio and video. Slap on your OS (external DVD/RW or flash drive/network installation, unless you put an optical drive into the HP MS (a Blu-ray ROM perhaps) and you're good to go.
For anyone interested, I have a HP MS in the Classifieds for R1,000.
Stevie G
Banned
Don't see the need to built something like that. you then need to constantly maintain it on a regular basis. that is too much effort unless you have time on your hands and its like a hobby to you. got the mede8er myself and loving it. i mostly use my laptop and stream my multimedia to my 42" Sammy. quick and easy to use with no problems.
Whoa....not so fast there rapid. What happened? Recently you were excited about the streaming possibilities of the boxee, but now youre wanting to go htpc? What's caused this then? And whilst on the subject, was it just the streaming capabilties of the boxee that made you ditch the mede8er, or was it also due to the shoddy interface?
Shoddy interface of the mede8er - their lack of support for HD sound and the promised fix.
Reason for selling the boxee box is simply because I can do the same with XBMC, and it allows for the library to by synced around the house. If, after my testing, the Microserver handles HD fine, I'll have one in four different rooms.
The boxee box is fine for someone who wants a simple, easy to use solution - but if you require more customization - you're pretty stuffed.
Remember - I came from an HTPC to a mede8er to the boxee box (and cancelled DSTV), and now I'm back at HTPC.